Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 19490, Townsend S Gardner, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Gardner, Townsend S. or Townshend S. Thankful
W. 19490
CONTENTS

N o . 20. 893 Utica
Townsend S. Gardner of Chenango Co. in the State of New York who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain Hancock of the Regt. commanded by Col. Bailey - in the Mass. Troops time for 6 months
Inscribed on the Roll of Utica at the rate of 20 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 15 th day of Oct. 1833 and sent to P.B. Prindle Hanch Chenango Co. N.Y.
Arrears to the 4th of Sept. 1833 50.00 Semestral allowance ending March 1836 10.00 $66.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk, Book E. Vol. 4 Page 2.
See letter to J.W. Olcott acting P. Agt 3 rd April 1835. Let to same date 9. 1835.

Erving Jainter Ap d 21 1855
(538)
New York Albany Thankful Gardner dec d widow of Townsend S,
who served in the Revolutionary Wars war, as a priv: & teamster
Inc d from $20:00.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 41. Dollars 71/.
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848. & end 19th November 1849.
Certificate of Pension issued the 20 th day of April 1855. and sent to
Erving Jainter Hartford N York
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 9, 1848, Page 177. Vol. 2

State of New York Chemung County
On this ninth day of October A.D. 1832 personally appeared in open Court before the Court of Common Pleas of said County, now sitting.
Present
John Fraser Nathan Daffor Levi Bigelow Nerekeah Reef Charles York
Judges
Townsend J. Gardner, a resident of Plymouth, in the County of Chemung and State of New York, aged sixty nine years and upwards, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7, 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States, under the following named officers and served as herein stated:
That in the forepart of June 1780, he enlisted at Worthington, Hampshire County, Massachusetts, for the term of six months - He enlisted with some few others, from the same town to make up the quota required from that town, to fill up the Ranks of the Continental Army - His company was commanded by Captain Hancock. A few days after he enlisted, he passed inspection at Springfield, Massachusetts and marched immediately to West Point, passing on the route through Pittsfield and other places that he does not recollect. They crossed the Hudson at Fishkill, as he thinks, and went to West Point and there joined the Second Massachusetts Regiment, 3rd Brigade, commanded by Colonel John Bailey of Massachusetts.

who at that time was Col. Commandant of the Brigade. At the same time, he was attach- ed to a Company under Captain Howard - Lieu- tenant Mitchell & Ensign Bleeker, of Massachusetts. He remained a short time at West Point and marched with his Company and Regiment to New Jersey, crossing the North River at some point which he has forgotten - He does not remember all the places he was at, in New Jersey, but he was stationed at two different times at Morris town, New Jersey. Recollects that General Washington inspected or reviewed the Troops at Tottoway - They march- ed back to West Point some time in the fall and after the execution and arrest of Andre which all occurred during his absence - After his return he remained but a short time at the Point and then sailed to Fish Kill N.Y. where he stayed a few days until his six months had expired which was on or about the 5th day of December following, when he was discharged at Fish Kill - His discharge was a written one, under the hand of John Baily, the Colonel Commandant. From Fish Kill he returned home.
About the first of June 1787, he enlisted again for seven months in the Wagon Service, under Samuel Buck, Conductor. Their teams were loaded at Springfield Hampshire County, Massachusetts - joined the Army at Fish Kill - was employed for the 3d Mas- sachusetts brigade, under the command of Major Cogdell and Major Skidmore - He was with the Army when the army moved to the southward in pursuit of Cornwallis - Returned back to Pekskill late in the fall where Samuel

Buck, Conductor, with his men were regularly discharged with his men and teams in the month of December, 1787.
He has no documentary evidence of his services except the accompanying affidavit of Roger Benjamin - and knows of no person whose testimony he can produce, who can testify to his service except the said Roger Benjamin, who was enlisted with him and served with him in different regiments, but in the same brigade.
In answer to the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, to applicants for pensions, he answers as follows:
1 st He was born at Haverne at Plymouth (now by Massachusetts), on the 27 th day of February 1763. 2 d He has a record of his age, on a paper which record was copied from his father's family Bible and which is now in his house at Plymouth. 3 d He lived at Wouthington, Massachusetts the first time he enlisted - After the Revolutionary War he resided at Wouthington, until about 26 years ago, when he moved into Plymouth Olenardo Point, where he has ever since resided and where he now resides. 4 th He voluntarily enlisted each time.

5. He knew General Washington, Baron Steuben, Col. Bailey. — He also knew Adjutant Mel- chior Drey of his Regiment — Col. Jackson's Regiment was with him in the same Brigade
He has detailed the circumstances of his services, as fully in his declaration as he can.
6 He received a written discharge from Col. Bailey which was destroyed when his house was burnt at Worthington in 1787 as he thinks
7th. He gives the names of the Rev. Nathan Clark, Judah Bement, Superior; Eliphabet Cutting — Revs. Dr. DeKay, J. M. Easton, Gortle and Isaac Buell, Preachers of the Gospel all of the town of Plymouth, as men living in his pre- sent neighborhood to whom he is known and who can testify to his veracity and to their belief of his services as a soldier of the Revo- lution.
This deponent says that the affidavit of Benjamin hereto annexed, states the present residence of this deponent to be Stormach , Chenango County whereas in fact his residence is Plymouth , Chenango County, a town adjoining to Stormach .
The mistake of Benjamin in relation to his residence, arose from the fact, he frequently of the letter which was written to him for his testimony, being written, dated and mailed at the Stormach Post office. This deponent employed R. B. Prindle Esq. to make out his papers and to write to the said Roger Benjamin.

min for his affidavit of the deponent's service: and the said Prindle informed this deponent that he wrote accordingly to said Benjamin dated and mailed his letter at Norwich and requested the answer to be sent to him from Norwich - and this deponent presumes and has no doubt that the said Benjamin judged the residence of the deponent to be Norwich from that circumstance - This deponent saith that he does not know of and does not believe there is in the County of Chenango any person by the name of Townsend J. Gardner who was a Revolutionary soldier and has no doubt that the said Benjamin alluded to the deponent and to no one else in his affidavit -
I hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that this name is not on the Pension roll of the agency of any State
Sworn to & subscribed the day and year aforesaid November 1. 1861 J. H. Pike C.W.
We Luther Clark a Clergyman residing in the town of Plymouth Chenango, and Nathaniel residing in the town of Plymouth in the same County do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Townsend J. Gardner who has sworn to and subscribed said declaration that we believe him to be sixty nine years of age that he is reputed and believed on

the neighborhood where he resides to have been a Soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion and that we have never heard any doubt expressed by any person as to his having been such soldier -
Sworn to & subscribed the day and year aforesaid L. Clark
J. V. Pike Clerk Ira Buell
Chenango County G. Philander B. Perkins Attorney at Law residing in the town of Norwich in said County, being duly sworn according to law deposes that he was employed by Town- end J. Gardner of Plymouth Opus County to prepare his papers for a pension and to write to Roger Benjamin of Worthington for his af- fidavit of Benjamin's services - that he, as requested, did write to Worthington to said Benjamin for his affidavit - that his letter was written mailed and dated at Norwich P. O. and requested the answer to be sent back to this deponent at Norwich - that this de- ponent received in reply to his letter the annexed and accompanying affidavit and also the annexed letter from the Post Master at Worthington - This deponent has no doubt that the "Townend J. Gardner" alluded to in Benjamin's affidavit as living in Norwich, is the same "Townend J. Gard- ner" who served in the army with said Benjamin and who is now applying for a Pension to the Chenango Common Pleas - and he believes the mistake in Gardner's residence was in consequence of the letters being da- ted and mailed at Norwich Post Office

and he does not think there is in the County of Chemung any man by the name of Townsend Gardner, to whom the said Benjamin could allude, except the Gardner now applying for a pension. And further saith not.
Philander B. Amad
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid J. H. Pike C.L.K.
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier and served as he states. And the Court further certify that it appears to them that Luther Clark who has signed the preceding Certificate is a Clergyman, resident in the town of Bymouth Chemung County and that Ira Bull who has also signed the same is a resident of Bymouth in said County, and is a credible person and their statement is entitled to credit. And the Court further certify that it satisfactorily appears to them that the Townsend Gardner named in the annexed affidavit of Rosa Benjamin is the identical Townsend Gardner who has signed the preceding Declaration.
Judges of the Court Ref. Read } of Common Pleas Charles Foster } of Chemung County N.Y. Nathan Taylor }

State of New York Chenango County ss: I, Simon H. Pike Clerk of said County and of the Court of Common Pleas of said County, do hereby certify that the paper contains the original proceedings of the Court in the matter of the application of Mrs. Sarah L. Gardner for a Pension —
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this ninth day of October 1832
P. B. Pundee Dep. Clerk

9338
Thankful Gardner
N.Y.
Act 7. July 38
P. Niles Esq. Cincinnati Bourland Co N.Y.

FAMILY RECORD.
MARRIAGES.
MARRIAGES.
Townsend S. Garrison and Thankful Gull was Married November the 10 th 1785

FAMILY RECORD.
BIRTHS.
Townsend Smith Gardner was born February 27 th A 1763 Thankful Green was born February 14 th A 1764
BIRTHS.

Declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the acts of Congress of the 7 th July 1838, and the 28 th August 1842; State of New York } Chemango County } ss.
On this first - day of July, 1843, personally appeared before the subscri- ber, one of the Judges of the court of common pleas in and for the county of Chemango aforesaid, Thank- ful Gardner of Pitcher in said county of Chemango, that is, a resident in said Town of Pitcher, aged Seventy nine years, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the acts of Congress passed July 7. 1838, and the 28 th August, 1842, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War - That she is the Widow of Downdend S. Gardner who was a private during said War, and who served therein as she believes as is set forth in the application of her said husband on file in the War Department - and for which service he received a pension of Twenty dollars - - per annum under the act of June 7. 1832, as she believes, and she refers the Depart- ment to his said papers for proof of his said services. She also declares that she was married to the said Downdend S. Gardner on the tenth day of November in the year seventeen hundred and eighty - five - that her husband, the aforesaid Downdend S. Gardner died on the 10 th day of June, 1840; - that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January seventeen hundred and Ninety - four, viz: at the

time above stated - She further declares that she is still the widow of the said Townsend S. Gardner, as she has not been married since his death - That her maiden name was Thankful Egan - That the marriage of the said Thankful Egan and said Townsend S. Gardner was inserted, at first, in a sort of scrap book, belonging to them, which they kept as a family record for a few years - But that her said husband included a New Bible as she thinks about twenty five years ago, when her said husband copied from said scrap-book their said marriage into their said family bible - that she thinks was so copied about twenty five years ago, and which record is herewith sent - The said scrap-book she thinks is lost or destroyed as she has not seen it for many years to her recollection -
Sworn, and subscribed by her making her mark by reason of old age & infirmity, the day and year above written before me - and I certify my belief that her statements are entitled to full faith and credit - Thankful Gardner mark Isaac Dyer
STATE OF NEW YORK, Chenango Co. Clerk's Office,
ss. John Latham
I, XXXXX Clerk of said county, DO HEREBY CERTIFY that Solomon Eno Esq. whose name is subscribed to the certificate of the proof or acknowledgement of the subjoined Declaration & Affidavit and thereon written, was at the time of taking such proof or acknowledgement, a Judge of Chenango County Courts - in and for said county, duly authorised to take the same, and that I am well acquainted with his hand writing, and verily believe his signature to the said certificate of proof or acknowledgement to be genuine.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said county this 3 rd day of July A. D. 1843
John Latham CLERK.

time above stated - She further declares that she is still the widow of the said Townsend S. Gardner, as she has not been married since his death - that her maiden name was Thankful Geyer - that the marriage of the said Thankful Geyer and said Townsend S. Gardner was inserted, at first, in a sort of scrap book, belonging to them, which they kept as a family record for a few years - But that her said husband included a New Bible as she thinks about twenty five years ago, when her said husband copied from said scrap book their said marriage into their said family bible - that she thinks was so copied about twenty-five years ago, and which record is herewith sent - The said scrap book she thinks is lost or destroyed as she has not seen it for many years to her recollection -
Sworn, and subscribed by her making her mark by reason of old age & infirmity, the day and year above written before me - and I certify my belief that her statements are entitled to full faith and credit -
Thankful Gardner mark
Solomon Ensign Jr. Judge of Chenango County Courts

State of New York,
Chenango County } ss. On this first day of July, 1843, personally appeared before me the undersigned Solomon Dinsmore Jr. one of the judges of the court of common pleas in and for said county, Elisha Gardner, who being duly sworn according to law says that he is a son of Solomon S. Gardner & Thankful Gardner before named, and that he has seen the record of their marriage as entered in their family bible and which is here to annexed, for about twenty-five years past as near as he can estimate the time - Sworn & subscribed the day and year above written before me, } Elisha Gardner and I certify said deposition to be a true & correct statement to the best of my knowledge -
Solomon Dinsmore Jr. Judge of Chenango County Courts

CLAIM OF
ACT OF
STATE OF New York COUNTY OF Chenango } ss.
Be it Known, That on this second day of March A. D. eighteen hundred and fifty five before the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared Elisha Gardner a resident of Pitcher in said County, and made oath according to law, that he is the son and administrator of the estate of Townsend S. Gardner and Thankful Gardner late of said county deceased —
who was a Revolutionary Pensioner
at the rate of twenty Dollars per annum; that he has been informed that the said Pension ought to be increased; that he is directly interested as a Claimant in said Pension, and makes this affidavit to be filed with such additional evidence or arguments as my Agent may use in prosecuting said Claim.
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid, before me, John F. Hubbard Jus. Peace.
Elisha Gardner
I, John F. Hubbard Justice of the Peace in and for said County, do hereby certify that Elisha Gardner who executed the foregoing paper, is a respectable resident of this County, and is, I believe, directly interested in said Claim as therein set forth. And I further certify, that I have no interest whatever in said Claim, or the prosecution thereof.
John F. Hubbard Justice Peace.
I, Thomas Milner Clerk of the Court in the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify, that John F. Hubbard Esq before whom the foregoing papers were executed, was, at the date of the same, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly authorized by law to administer oaths; and the name thereunto subscribed is his signature.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my official Seal, this 2 nd day of March A. D. 185 5 .
T. Milner Clerk.

POWER OF ATTORNEY—Revolutionary Pension Claims.
Know all Men by these Presents, That I, Elisha Gardner of Pitcher in the county of Chenango and State of New York
hereby constitute and appoint Erving Tainter of Harnady New York my true and lawful Agent and Attorney, to prosecute the Claim of Townsend S. & Thankful Gardner for any amount of Revolutionary Pension, or Increase of Pension, that may be due; and I hereby authorize my said Agent to examine all the papers and documents in relation to said Claim, on file in the Departments at Washington City, or elsewhere; to file additional evidence or arguments; and to receive the Certificate which may be issued for said Claim, which Certificate I wish made payable to myself as administrator of the estate of Townsend S Gardner and Thankful Gardner deceased to appoint one or more substitutes under him for the purposes herein expressed; and to do all things that I might or could do were I personally present. Hereby ratifying and confirming all that my said Attorney and Agent shall lawfully do in the premises.
WITNESS my Hand and Seal this 2 nd day of March A. D. 185 5 .
Elisha Gardner
Signed and Sealed in the presence of
John F. Hubbard
Robert Cummings
STATE OF New York COUNTY OF Chenango } ss.
On this Second day of March A. D. 185 5 before me, the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, personally appeared Elisha Gardner and acknowledged the foregoing Power of Attorney to be act and deed, for the purposes therein mentioned.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I hereunto set my hand, } the day and year aforesaid.
John F. Hubbard,
Justice Peace.

STATE OF New York COUNTY OF Chenango
} ss.
It is hereby certified that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited before me, Roswell Hudson Surrogate in and for the County and State aforesaid -
that Townsend S. Gardner was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States at the rate of $ twenty dollars per annum, and that he died on the tenth day of November eighteen hundred and forty leaving surviving Thankfull Gardner his widow, and that the said Thankfull Gardner was also a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States at the rate of twenty dollars per annum and that she died on the nineteenth day of November eighteen hundred and forty nine leaving her and that surviving the following named children to wit Smith T. Gardner, Levi G. Gardner, Elijah R. Gardner, Elyse D. Gardner and Elisha Gardner , and that the said Smith T. Gardner, Levi G. Gardner, Elijah R. Gardner, Elyse D. Gardner and Elisha Gardner are the only surviving children of the aforesaid. Townsend S. Gardner and Thankfull Gardner deceased
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office, this Second day of March one thousand eight hundred and fifty- six
Roswell Hudson Surrogate

No 18277
Townsend J. Gardin Chenango County New York
Admitted Private broaths
Plan fairer not allowed
18277 Private & Vouch Chenango County New York
Waltz

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office.
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them, and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Townsend Gardner Chenango County New York
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Country through which he marched. Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. Evidence by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Enlisted June 1780 - 6 - private Capt Hancock Gen Washington Marched to West point through Connecticut to New Jersey - Morristown, at Tolouay - 2 loaded at Princeton, Hadamack, New Jersey - joined the army at Red Bank 69 years traditional evidence   Enlisted June 1781 - 9 - Waggoner Sgt Buch Col Baile at Red Bank Worthington Hampshire County - For living without certificate - indubitable - Clergians certificate - papers not properly attached  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this day of personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of in the county of and State, Territory or District of aged (c) years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) , with and served in the (e) regiment of the line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. [This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I of the Court of do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of &c.
If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B.
who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Clerk of the Court of do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this day of &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person.

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. } Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it? { To an Officer. } Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?  7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that he answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons - one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must fix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [a] to [j] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

July 18, 1935
XXXXXXXXXXXX
Mary G. Greston 41 Highland Avenue Haverhill, Massachusetts
TOWNSEND S. GARDNER W. 19400 RA-J/MEB aw
Dear Madam:
You are furnished herein the record of Townsend S. Gardner or Townsend S. Gardner, as shown in the papers on file in pension claim, W. 19400, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.
Townsend( or Townsend ) Smith Gardner was born February 27, 1765, in Hanover, Plymouth County, Massachusetts; the names of his parents are not given.
and Howard's While residing in Worthington, Hampshire County, Massachusetts, the soldier volunteered in the forepart of June, 1780, served as a private in Captain Hancock's company, Colonel John Bailey's 3 rd Massachusetts regiment, and was discharged December 5, 1780, after having served six months. He volunteered about June 1, 1781, in the wagon service, served as teamster under Samuel Buck, conductor of teams, and was discharged in December, 1781.
The soldier resided in Worthington, Massachusetts, until about 1806, then moved to Plymouth, Chenango County, New York.
smith Townsend or Townsend S. Gardner was allowed pension on his application executed October 9, 1832, while residing in Plymouth, New York. The soldier signed Townsend S., but his name was also borne on the pension rolls as Townsend S. Gardner.
The soldier died June 10, 1840, in Plymouth, Chenango County, New York.
smith Townsend S. or Townsend S. Gardner married November 10, 1785, in Norwich, Hampshire County, Massachusetts, Thankful Geer who was born February 14, 1764; the place of her birth and names of parents not given. They were married at the home of her aunt, Mrs. Thankful
as in ink next line 7

Ayres, for whom she was named (the given name of the husband of Thankful Ayres not stated).
Soldier's widow, Thankful Gardner, was allowed pension on her application executed July 1, 1845, while residing in Pitcher, Chenango County, New York. She was still living there in 1848, and died there November 19, 1848, at the home of her son, Elisha Gardner.
The first child of the soldier and his wife, Thankful, was a girl, name not given, who died prior to 1840.
The following children of the soldier and his wife, Thankful, survived their mother and were all living in 1855:
Smith T. Gardner Levi G. " Elijah R. " Squire D. " Elisha ", who in 1855 was aged forty-nine years and residing in Pitcher, Chenango County, New York.
In 1845, Apphia Stockwell, aged seventy-three years, a sister of soldier's wife, Thankful Gardner, was residing in Sangerfield, Oneida County, New York, and stated that she (Apphia) was married November 9, 1789, but did not state the given name of her husband.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

1935 July 18-Heir. to Mary G. Croft the int. clm. W. 24287 of Pickard Goff
Rev WIDOW, &c.
No. 19490
Thankful Gardner
Widow of
Townsend S Gardner
Pris. Rev. was
Act: Feb 29 48
Ex:—Vol. 14 Page 265
[Arrangement of 1870.]

July 18, 1955
XXXXXXXXXXXX
Mary G. Creston 41 Highland Avenue Haverhill, Massachusetts
Townsend S. Gardner, W. 19690 Richard Goff, W. 24297 BA-3/MLB
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter of recent date in which you request the records of Townsend S. Gardner and Richard Goff, soldiers of the Revolutionary War who received pensions in Chenango County, New York.
Their records are furnished herewith.
Very truly yours
A. D. MILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 20 Dollars C
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 25 day of July 1848. and sent to
B. Niles Cincinnati W.H.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 75 Vol. 4

838 New York A. Thankful Gardner dec. widow of Townsend S. who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a priv: & teamster Increased from $20. Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of $1. Dollars 71/.
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848. Vend 19th September 1849. Certificate of Pension issued the 12th day of March 1855. and sent to
Erving Tainter Warford N York
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 177 Vol. 2.
Let G. Tainter, Mch 28, 1855

Rep d .
New York 8468
Thankful Gardner widow of Townsend S. Gardner
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832 and who died on the 10. June 1840 of Chenango Co. in the State of N. York who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain Marmorek of the reg t commanded by Col. Bailey in the Mass Troops time for 6 months
July 23
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 20 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 1st day of March, 1836. 10 th June 1840.
Certificate of Pension issued the 12 th day of June 1844 and sent to B. Niles, Cincinnati, N. York
Total amount, $
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by D Brown Clerk, Book D. Vol. 1. Page 159.

20.893 New York Albany . Townshend Gardner , dec d of _____ in the State of _____ who was a private  in the _____ commanded by Captain _____ of the _____ commanded by _____ in the Revolution time for _____ Inc t from $20.
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany . at the rate of 41. Dollars 76 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. Sent 10 th June 1840.
Certificate of Pension issued the 12 th day of March 1855 and sent to Emory J. Tainter Treasurer to the 4th of Warford Semi-annual allowance ending New York
Recorded by G. H. Petty { Revolutionary Claim , June 7, 1832. } Clerk. Book 10. Vol. 1. Page 169.

N o 8468.
N. York
Thankful Gardner, widow of Townsend L. Gardner, who was a pensioner under the Act of 32, and who died on the 10 June, 1840, of Chicago (in the State of N. Yk) who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Hancock — of the Co. commanded by Bailey — in the Massachus line for Kennebec
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 20 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1836. & ending 10 June, 1840 —
Certificate of Pension issued the 10th: day of Dec: 1845, and sent to Chas Babcock, N. Genville, N. Yk
Total amount, $ 85. 66
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Joint resolution of Jan'y 45
Recorded by W. L. Allen Clerk, Book D Vol. 1 — Page 159 —

Paid at the Treasury under the Act 6. April 1838, from 4 March to 10. June 1840 Act notified 19. Oct 1844.
Let to C. Bedcock Oct. 17. '45
Certificate for arrears of pension allowed under act July 7. '38 & joint resolution of 25 th Jan'y. 45 - sent to Chester Babcock, McGrainville, N. Y. on 11 Dec. 45-
Recd 11
Recd. 12 July 45
5835
Albany N.Y.
Thankful Gardner widow of Thomas P. Gardner, who was a Private in the Mass. Troops.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 20 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 12 th day of July 1844 and sent to
R. Niles Cincinnati N. York
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A and June 17. 1844. Vol. 1 Page 260

✓ 9331 Thankful Gardner N.Y.
Set to B Niles, Sept 19, 1842-
Act 7 Mo., 1838

Thankful Gardner Yours sincerely
Mar 3 rd 1848
Home
J. P. Walker
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
D.C.
Ms

24th The Year
1888

Dear Mr. Gardner Thankful and Townshend
Asford April 13
Hon. J. P. Wells
Mr. Rae
Her Majesty's Commissioner of Customs
Woburn
Mass.
Dear Sir,

Ms. A. 9. 2. 38
Harford Co Md April 13
Commissaire of Washington

Harford N.Y. March 21
Free Thankful Gardner 100 Park St New York N.Y.
Gen. L. B. McLane
Commencement of
Washington D.C.

Washington D.C.

Jobnsen Gardner dec? N.Y.
Inc? June 7 1832.
12 mos 416 prn, $41.76 per annum from March 1831 to 10 June 1840, when he died , By Deducting $20 a year, Pay to Elisha Gardner - admr for him- self & Smith Gardner - Levi G Gardner Elijah R Gardner & Aguirre D Gardner leaving children
Thankful Gardner dec residuary of Jobnsen, N.Y. Inc? 2 Feb 48
12 mos 416 prn $41.76 per annum from March 1848 to 19 Oct 1849 when she died , By Deducting $20 a year from March 1848,
Pay as above & send
sent to
Emory Painter Esq
Harford N.Y.

Thankful Gardner decd. Widow of Townsend S. NY
Increased 2 nd Feby 1848 12 mos 416 Ds for $41.76 from 4 March 1848 to 19 Nov 1849 when she died
Pay to Elisha Gardner 1 adm: for himself and Smith J White Gardner 2 Levi G Gardner 3 - Elijah R Gardner 4 & Squire D Gardner 5 - Surviving Children
Bequeath to Erving Tainter Esq Harford NY

 \begin{array}{r}
 1611 \\
 4676 \\
 \hline
 41.70
 \end{array} 
Increase this then 12 mths, from $41.70 under 32 to 10 Jan '40 deducting $20,
Same from 6 Dec 1828 to 15 Sep 1825, when 20 due, Deduction $20, 
Evening Journal Hargus MS

Elisha Gardner Adms Jemima Gardner d o 10 June 1840 Thankful Gardner d o 19 Sep 1829
Smith Gardner - Levi G Gardner - Elijah R Gardner - son Ebenezer D Gardner - Elisha Gardner bms 4 16 d o teamster under Barks, see Roll in Elizabeth Astells case mls 36

9331
Thankful Gardens
N.Y.
Act July 7 th 38
Adp
6m.
Prin
$20 per an
Σ
B. Niles Esq Cincinnati N.Y.

Townsend S. Gardner of N.Y. Apr. 1882
Chenango co. N.Y.
Mr Anderson
Oct 15/33
$20

Thankful Gardner, widow of Townsend S. Pine
Res. Jan 23 d 1845.
$20 per annum deducting former payments.
Albany, N.Y. Recd.
Left to
Chester Babcock, McGrawville Cortland Co N.Y.

Thankful Gannett.
Saratoga S-
N.Y. - at 2 nd Feb 48.

Harford N. H. April 10 th 1855
Sir:-
I herewith again return the pension certificate issued to the children of Thankful Gardner, widow of Townsend Gardner of N. H. for correction
The " present ruling " of your Department referred to in your letter of March 28 th appears to be in direct opposition to the ruling of the Department under a former Commission - See Mays & Moulton pp 498 & 499. - when the Hon J. C. Spencer gives an opinion which includes those who became widows of Revolutionary Soldiers subsequently to the passage of the act.
The same opinion appears to have been entertained by Mr Secretary Wilkins and Hon J. L. Edwards at that time Commission of Pensions - See Mays & Moulton pp. 503, 506 and 507. - These opinions were undoubtedly based upon the obvious meaning and intent of the law, as understood at the time of its passage and the practice of the Department was based upon these opinions, and through their operation Mrs Gardner was pensioned and should have drawn the whole amount now claimed. She having become the widow of a

revolutionary soldiers subsequently to the passage of the act of 1838 and previously to the passage of the acts of 1843 and 1844.
Your rule appears to be based upon a mere technicality - viz - the fact that she was not a widow at the date of the act - and overrules the established practice of your Department, which as I said before was undoubtedly based upon the obvious meaning and intent of the law.
You will undoubtedly perceive the injustice of your rule, for when reduced to practice it is simply this. If a Revolutionary Soldier died July 6 th 1838 leaving a widow who was otherwise entitled, she would be entitled under this law, but if he lived two days longer, and died July 8, 1838, then she would not be entitled because she was not a widow at the date of the act .
Again if a Soldier died and his widow had married again and her second husband was living at the date of the act, and subsequently died then your rule under the Resolution of Aug 23 1842, would give her a pension, whereas if it had been her first husband , who was living at the time and died subsequently to the passage of the act, then she would not be entitled . Can it be possible that Congress intended to make such nice distinctions as

give a preference to a second marriage over the first !
I can do nothing less than express a hope that you will abolish a rule the operations of which are so manifestly unjust, and return to the practice of the Department as it was a few years since .
There is still another particular in which I think this certificate is erroneous.
Thankful Gardner died November 19 th 1849, and not September 19, 1849, as is in the certificate. see the papers.
You will please correct the certificate in both these particulars and much oblige.
Your humble Servant Erving Fainton
Heon L. P. Waldo Commission of Pensions Washington D.C.

Harford N.Y. March 20 th 53
Sir
I have the honor herewith to return the Pension Certificate issued to the children of Thankful Gardner Acers of New York, for the purpose of correction.
Thankful Gardner the mother of the claimants in this case was pensioned under the Acts of July 7 1838 , March 3 1843 , June 17 1844 , and February 2 1848 , consequently the increase now allowed is as much due under one of these acts as another, and is due under them all . You will please correct the certificate and send it to me and much oblige
Respectfully Yours &c Erving Tainton

Payment to be made at Albany by J. M. French Esq. Agent for paying pension- ers, in the Agency of New York
Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book N Vol- ume 2 Page 177. by J. V. Jotty Clerk.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.
Claim for Military Service.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States, of the 2 nd February 1848, Thankful Gardner deceased, widow of Townsend Gardner, who was a private and teamster in the Revolution was entitled to a pension, and having died on the 19 th September 1849, her only surviving children, Elisha Gardner, Smith T. Gardner, Levi G. Gardner, Elijah R. Gardner, and Squire D. Gardner are entitled to the amount at the rate of Fortyone 76 / 100 dollars, per annum, commencing 4 th , March 1848, and ending 19 th September 1849, when she died; deducting former payments at the rate of twenty dollars, per annum,
Payable to Elisha Gardner, Administrator,
Given at the Department of the Interior, this twelfth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-five
H. P. Totten
Secretary of the Interior.
Examined and Countersigned. }
J. P. Moulton Commissioner of Pensions.

H O H G
Pen Off. Mch 9 1855
Sir
Thankful Gardner, N Y Row, '38 Y. $20 a year. Please state to what time paid
R. I. Atkinson, H o auditor
Very Respectfully S. Cule Chas. Pen Off Riplett
Thankful Gardner paid to 11 Sept 1849.
Mar 10/55
Robt Johnson auditor

Harford Connecticut Feb. N.Y. March 3 rd 1855.
Sir:
I have the honor herewith to transmit a Power of Attorney and other documents in the case of Townsend S. Gardner of New York pensioned under the act of Congress passed June 7. th 1832. and up Thankful Gardner his widow pensioned under the act of 1838. and subsequent acts, and ask a re-examination of the papers in these cases and an increase of their pension for the services of the said Townsend S. Gardner as a us Teamster in the Revolutionary War.
Proof of his services will be found among the papers on file in your Office in the case of Elizabeth Axtell widow of Ephraim Meiner of Massachusetts.
Very Respectfully Yours &c Erving Gainton
Hon. Loren P. Waldo Commissioner of Pensions Washington D. C.

State of New York Chenango County Surrogate's Office ss: }
I Roswell Hudson Surrogate in and for the said County of Chenango hereby certify that on this 2 d day of March 1855, Elisha Gardner of Pitcher in said County of Chenango was duly appointed by me admin- istrator of the goods, Chattels and Credits of Forrester S. Gardner late of said County deceased and is duly qualified according to law to dis- charge the duties of such administrator that upon granting letters of administration to him as such administrator a Bond was duly executed by him with sufficient sureties duly approved by me as such Surrogate, in the penalty of four hundred dollars, condi- tioned as required by Statute in such case made and provided:
And I further certify that on the same day the said Elisha Gardner was duly appointed by me, administrator of the goods, Chattels and Credits of Thankful Gardner late of the said County of Chenango deceased, and is duly qualified according to law to discharge the duties of such administrator, that on granting letters of administration to the said Elisha Gardner as such administrator a Bond was duly executed by him with sufficient sureties duly approved by me as such Surrogate in the penalty of four hundred dollars, conditioned as required by Statute in such case made and provided
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office as such Surrogate at Sherburne, in said County, this 2 d day of March 1855
R. Hudson Surrogate

State of New York County of Chenango 38.
I, Elisha Gardner of Pitcher in the County of Chenango and State of New York aged forty nine years, being first duly sworn according to law do depose and say that I am a son of Townsend S Gardner and Thankful Gardner both deceased, that the said Townsend S Gardner was a pensioner of the United States at the time of his death at the rate of twenty dollars per annum and that he died in the town of Plymouth in the said county of Chenango on the tenth day of June in the year 1840, leaving him surviving Thankful Gardner his widow, and that the said Thankful Gardner was also a pensioner of the United States at the time of her death at the rate of twenty dollars per annum and that she died at my house in the said town of Pitcher on the nineteenth day of November in the year 1849, leaving her surviving the following named children to wit: Smith T. Gardner, Levi G. Gardner, Elijah R. Gardner, Iquin D. Gardner and Elisha Gardner and the said Smith T. Gardner, Levi G. Gardner, Elijah R. Gardner, Iquin D. Gardner and Elisha Gardner are the only surviving children of the said Townsend S Gardner and Thankful Gardner deceased.
Subscribed and sworn to before me March 2. 1855 R. Madsen County Judge & Surrogate
Elisha Gardner

J. Gardner-
aa
admitted
B. Miles Cincinnati my

Declaration , in order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress of 2 nd February, 1848, entitled, "An act making further provision for surviving widows and soldiers of the revolution" - State of New York } County of Chenango } ss.
On this second day of June, 1848, personally appeared before me, Elijah Fenton Jr. a justice of the peace of the town of Pitcher in & of the said county of Chenango, Thankful Gardner , a resident of the said town of Pitcher, aged eighty four years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the act of provision made by the act of Congress passed on the 2 nd February, 1848, granting pensions to widows of persons, who served during the revolutionary War - That she is now the widow of Forrest S. Gardner , who was a private in the revolutionary War and served therein, as the evidence thereof will show in the War Department; and for whose service she received a pension of $20.00, per annum under the act of Congress of 17 th June, 1844, to which evidence & pension she refers. She further declares that she is still a widow -
Sworn to and subscribed on the day & year above written before me - I further certify she signed by making her mark by reason of old age & infirmity - and I know she is the identical person indicated as she is well known to me -
her Thankful X Gardner mark
Elijah Fenton Jr. Justice of the Peace

State of New York Chautauqua County Clerk's office
D. W. S. S. Andrews
Clerk of said County do hereby certify that Elijah Penton Esq. whose name is subscribed to the fore- going Affidavit is a Justice of the peace in And for Chautauqua County duly elected and qualified, that this Commission was dated On the first day of February 1845 and will expire On the 30th day of December 1848, And further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said Justice and Verily believe the signature purporting to be his sub- scribed to the above Affidavit is genuine In Witness Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County this 26th day of June 1848
D. W. S. S. Andrews Clerk Clerk, Absent

Nov. 4, 1848 Pittsburgh Pa 31
Thanksgiving, Nov 23/48,
J. S. Church Washington City J. P.
PAID 10 3/4

Mc Grawville Oct 31 st 1845-
Dear Sir
I received the declaration of Thankfull Gaedner, from you in which case you asked for the county clerks certificate which I have obtained When acted upon please forward the certificate to me
Yours Respectfully Chester Babcock
Mc Grawville Cortland co New York

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefits of the resolution of Congress of the 23 rd January 1845 Whereas the act of the 30 th of April 1844 prohibited me from drawing a pension for the same period during which my husband was pensioner I now make the following statement under oath to obtain the benefits of the resolution above mentioned I am the widow of Townsend S Gardner who was a Private in the war of the Revolution I have drawn a pension at the rate of Twenty dollars per annum from the 10 th day of June 1840 and now ask for the amount due me from the Fourth day of March 1836 to the 10 th day of June when my former pension commenced in the year 1840 at the rate of Twenty Dollars per annum
Sworn & Subscribed before me this 12 th day of July 1845 } Thankful  for  Mark Goudna
Elizabeth Greston of Lurkin of the Peace I certify that the declarant is personally known to me and that she is the same individual she represents herself to be in the foregoing affidavit Dated at R. Town, Chenango Co. N.Y., this 12 th day of July 1845 Elizabeth Greston of Lurkin of the Peace

Chautauqua County Blk. R. S. Offic. S. ss: I John Latham, Clerk of said County hereby certify that Elijah Fenton Jr. whose name is subscribed to the within instrument in writing, once thereon written was at the time the papers were shown to a Justice of the peace in the Chautauqua County duly qualified as such. And that full faith and credit are due to his official attestations. And further that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of the said Justice and hereby believe his signature to the within are genuine.
In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said County this 24 th day of Oct: 1845. John Latham Clerk

Thankful Gardner
4134
n o 21. Oct. 1844
J. Gardner
acts '43 & } '44
$20 per am
B. Niles Cincinnati N. York

Declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress of the 3 rd March, 1843, granting pensions for one year to certain widows who have received pensions under the act of July 7. 1838-
State of New York } County of Chenango } ss.
On this 21 st day of June, 1844, personally appeared before me the undersigned Justice of the Peace in and for said county, Thankful Gardner, a resident of the town of Pittsfield in the said county of Chenango, aged Eighty years, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress passed on the 3 rd of March, 1843, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the revolutionary War - That she is the widow of Townsend S. Gardner who was a private in the Army of the Revolution, and served as she believes as is or may be set forth in his declara- tion on which he received a pension from the United States - and that she has received a pension of twenty dollars per annum under the act of July 7. 1838 - She further declares that she is still a widow of the said Townsend S. Gardner as she has not been married since the death of her said husband -
Sworn to and subscribed on the 21 st day and year above written before me - and I further certify that I personally know the said declarant and that I believe her to be a person of truth & veracity - she signs by making her mark on account of old age & infirmity
Elizabeth Fenton Justice of Peace
Thankful Gardner mark

Chenango County Clerks Office ss
I John Latham Clerk of said County do certify that Elijah D. Fenton Jr. Esquire the person before whom the within declaration was made And whose name is thereunto subscribed was At the date thereof A Justice of the peace in And for Chenango County dwelling in said County And duly commissioned And sworn As such And further that I Am well acquainted with the hand Writing of said Justice And easily believe his signature to the within declaration to be genuine Given under my hand and the And the seal of the said County this 25 th day of June 1844. John Latham Clerk

Cincinnati, Cosh. Co. N.York
Feb. 10. 1844
Hon. J. L. Edwards,
Sir Sir,
I enclose the evi. of Mrs. Thankful Gardner for a pension - I think it establishes her claim, and beg on her behalf your kind and prompt attention to it - When passed upon please make return to me and greatly oblige
Yours Most Respectfully B. Miles

Thankful Gardner Declaration
10540

Declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the acts of Congress of the 7 th July 1838, and the 23 rd August, 1842 -
State of New York
Chenango county ss. On this third day of February in the year, 1844, personally appeared before the subscriber one of the Judges of the court of Common Pleas in and for the said county of Chenango, the same being a court of Record, Hannah Gardner of the town of Natchen in the said county of Chenango, aged Eighty years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provisions made by the acts of Congress of the 7 th July 1838, and the 23 rd August 1842, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War - That she is the widow of Dowanda S. Gardner, who was a private in the Revolutionary War, and served therein as she believes as stated in his declaration now on file in the War Department, Pension Office Department, and for which service he received a pension of twenty dollars per annum under the act of June 7. 1832. She also declares that she was married to Dowanda S. Gardner on the tenth day of November (1785) seven- teen hundred and eighty-five - That her husband the aforesaid Dowanda S. Gardner died on the 10 th day of June, (1840) Eighteen hundred & forty - That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first day of January seventeen hundred and ninetyfour,

Declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the acts of Congress of the 7 th July 1838, and the 23 rd August, 1842 -
State of New York }
Chenango county ss. On this Third day of February in the year, 1844, personally appeared before the subscriber one of the Judges of the court of Common Pleas in and for the said county of Chenango, the same being a court of Record, Thankful Gardner of the town of Pitcher in the said county of Chenango, aged Eighty years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provisions made by the acts of Congress of the 7 th July 1838, and the 23 rd August 1842, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War - That she is the widow of Dowanda S. Gardner, who was a private in the Revolutionary War, and served therein as she believes as stated in his declaration now on file in the War Department, Pension Office Department, and for which service he received a pension of twenty dollars per annum under the act of June 7. 1832. She also declares that she was married to Dowanda S. Gardner on the tenth day of November (1785) seven- teen hundred and eighty-five - That her husband the aforesaid Dowanda S. Gardner died on the 10 th day of June, (1840) Eighteen hundred & forty - That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first day of January seventeen hundred and ninetyfour, to wit, at the time above stated -
She further declares that she is still a widow - and that her maiden name was Thankful her Gardner Thankful Gardner Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above

written before me - And I further certify that the said declarant cannot from bodily infirmity attend the sitting of the Court - And I further certify the reason the said declarant signs by making her mark, is inability to write by reason of old age and infirmity and from long disuse
Solomon Ensign for Judge County Court
STATE OF NEW-YORK, Chenango County Clerk's Office } ss.
I, John Lathum Clerk of said County, do hereby certify, That Solomon Ensign Jut. Engr whose name is subscribed to the certificate of the proof or acknowl- edgement of the annexed instrument, and thereon written, was at the time of taking such proof or acknowledgement, a Judge of Chenango County Courts in and for the county of Chenango, dwelling in the said county, commissioned and sworn, and duly authoriz- ed to take the same. And further, that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of such Judge — and verily believe that the signature to the said certificate of proof or acknowledg- ment is genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County, the Fifth day of February A. D. 1844
John Lathum Clerk.

written before me - And I further certify that the said declarant cannot from bodily infirmity attend the sitting of the Court - And I further certify the reason the said declarant signs by making her mark, is inability to write by reason of old age and infirmity and from long disuse
Palomon Dinsign for Judge of Chenango County Court

Brief in the case of Thankful Gardner dec'd vs of John Lord
County and State of New York
act 2 d Feb y 1848
Claim, (" original " or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
The accompanying brief will show the grounds upon which the an increase was made in her pension & her husband's.
It is shown that she died Nov 19 1849, but when I made my brief, alone referred to & herewith attached, I stated her death as having occurred Sep 19 1849 — mistaking the word November for September . The certificate has been returned for correction in this particular.
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
P.S. Return this to me that I may write to Janet —
Name and residence of Agent Erving Daculter Esq Harford NY
Thomson Ripley Examining Clerk.

Brief in the case of Townsend Gasner & his widow Thankful
County and State of New York act 15 June 2 1832 & 2 Feb 1848
Claim, (" original " or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
In Gasner's original declaration under the act of 1832, he claimed to have served 13 months, 7 months of which was as teamster under conductor Buck. This office was in possession of no Rolls of the last mentioned service. He proved his first six months and was allowed for it. The other he was not able to prove satisfactorily and it was consequently disallowed. - After his death his pension was continued to his widow.
The children of Elizabeth Astell of Mass, who receive the pension due her under the act of 1836 presented an original Roll of conductor  (If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what? whom her husband also served, which contains the name of Townsend Gasner in exact accordance with his original claim, showing a service of 6 months & 16 days. The evidence of service is conclusive.
The case has, therefore, been increased under the acts of 1832 & 1848. Papers of death & marriage furnished agreeably to regulations.
Name and residence of Agent Erving Tainter Esq Hargen NY
Thornton D'Platt Examining Clerk.

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
SECOND COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE,
Oct. 19 th 1843.
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An Act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," and the third section of the Act of August 23, 1842, extending the time within which pensioners may receive their pensions from the pension agents, The widow of Townsend Gardner, dec d a Pensioner on the Roll of the Albany, New York, Agency, at the rate of Twenty _____ Dollars and _____ Cents per annum, under the law of the 7 th June 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 4 th of March — to the 10 th June 1840.
Respectfully, yours,
Comptroller.
To the COMMISSIONER OF PENSIONS, Present.

Cincinnati, Oct. Co. N. York July 5th 1848 -
Hon. J. L. Edwards, Sir,
I enclose the evi. of a claim for a pension in behalf of the widow Thankful Gardner, widow of Townsend V. Gardner. When the claim is passed upon please make return to me and oblige
Yours Respectfully B. Niles

Amended declaration
State of New York Chautauqua County, ss:
Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Judge of Chautauqua County Court Mr. Townsend B. Gardner, of Plymouth in said County to me known, who being sworn saith that by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to precise length of his service but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below and in the following grades vizt—
6 mos. For six months I served as a private in Capt: Hance's Company under Col Bailey in the 2nd Regiment of the Massachusetts Line of the Continental Army—
7 mos. For seven months I served as a wagoner in the Team Service under Sam Buck, Conductor for the 3rd Massachusetts Brigade as stated in my declaration — He was under the regular enlistment during this term
And for the above periods of time combined, making one year and one month I claim a pension — I served all the above time in embodied caps called into service by competent authorities of the Continental Congress and the State of Massachusetts — And he was not during any part of the above time employed at any civil pursuit — And further saith
Townsend B. Gardner
Subscribed and sworn to this 3rd day of Nov 1832 before me
Smith H. Burdy first judge of Chautauqua County Court

State of Chautauqua New York
Chautauqua County ss: Peterson I certify that Smith W. Purdy before whom the within affidavit purports to have been sworn was at the day of the signing one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the said County & that I am acquainted with his hand writing and well believe his name subscribed to the said affidavit to be his genuine hand writing and signature.
Witness my hand and seal of office this 2d June 1832
J. Smith R. Atty Clerk P. B. Prindle Dept. Clerk Chautauqua
2 more

Worthington MS Aug 22
Mr Edward 
P B Prindle Esq
Norwich
Chenango County New York

Worthington August 20 1832
P B Prindle Esq
Sir
Roger Benjamin came to me with J. S. Hardens Letter but from age was unable to do any more than make his affidavit perceiving that it would be conclusive for six months to secure his pension. I have had it executed & sent to the County clerk for his certificate & I now enclose it to you for which expense I should you will please enclose me two dollars.
Mr Benjamin knows nothing about the framing since of Mr Hardens. He saw Sam Buck with his books of accounts at Phillipsburgh in 1781. but has no recollection of Mr S. being amongst them. Then. Would such proof be of any service
Yours Respectfully
William Ward

• Townsend Goddard Pension Applications
18277. 1
Direct Pension Certificate if allowed to
P. B. Prindle
Stomach
Chenango
N.Y.
On Rolls of Baileys
Regt.
6 mo. in 1780.

I Roger Benjamin of Worthington in the County of Hampshire & Com- monwealth of Massachusetts aged Seventy two years depose and say that in the month of June 1780 I enlisted with seven others at Worthington aforesaid for six months to go to West Point that number being of that was quota required to fill the Ranks of the Army that we immediately marched for Springfield where we mustered and proceeded to West Point where this disponent joined the Company of the S t Edw. and Col. Weston's Regiment and marched into New Jersey where we were employed till our term of service had nearly expired when we returned to West Point where at the expiration of our time we were discharged This disponent further says that Thomas J. Gardner then of Worthington but now of Norwich in the County of Chenango State of New York was one of the eight men who enlisted with me at the same time and marched with me to Springfield & West Point At West Point the said Gardner was attached to a different company and regiment the names of the officers this disponent does not now recollect but he saw the said Gardner every few days during the said six months that he was discharged at the same time with this disponent and returned to Worthington with him
Roger Benjamin  Commonwealth of Massachusetts Hampshire County ss Roger Benjamin came before me and subscribed the foregoing affidavit and made oath that it is the truth and I certify that the said Benjamin sustains a good char- acter in this community for veracity William Ward Justice of the peace  Aug. 16, 1832

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Hampshire ss I Solomon Stoddard Clerk of the Judicial Courts for the County of Hampshire do certify that William Ward Esq whose signature is affixed to the within Certificate, was, at the time thereof one of the Justices of the Peace within & for said County, duly commissioned, and acting under the authority of this Com- monwealth - and that full faith & credit is to be given to his acts & attestations done in that capacity - and that the sig- nature to said Certificate is known by me to be the hand writing of the said William Ward. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the Seal of the Court of Common Pleas for said Commonwealth this eighteenth day of August A.D. one thousand eight hundred & thirty two. S Stoddard Clerk

Apphia Stockwell Affid. —

State of New York
Oneida County } ss. Apphia Stockwell of the town of Lanyard in said County, being duly sworn depose and says that she is Seventy three years of age, and that she is well acquainted with Thankful Gardner now a resident of Pitcher in the County of Chenango and State of New York; that she is the sister of the said Thankful Gardner who is the widow of Townsend S. Gardner now deceased; that this deponent was present at the marriage of the said Townsend S. Gardner and Thankful Gardner, her maiden name being Thankful Geer, and saw them married at the town of Norwich then in the County of Hampshire in the State of Massachusetts; that the marriage took place on the tenth day of Novem- -ber (1785) in the year Seventeen hundred and eighty five. And this deponent further says that she remem- -bers the time of the said marriage from the fact that the said Thankful Gardner was married four years wanting one day before this deponent this deponent having been married on the ninth day of November in the year Seventeen hundred and Eighty Nine (1789) Also from the fact that the said Thankful's first child which was a girl was born about a year after her marriage and was at the time of this deponent's marriage about three years of age. And this deponent further says that she remembers the fact of the marriage of the said Thankful Gardner and Townsend S. Gardner distinctly

from the fact that said marriage took place at the home of an Aunt of the said Thankful & this deponent at the distance of about half a mile from the home of this deponent's father, and that this deponent's father and mother and said Aunt and her husband, whose name was Ayres, and brother and sister were present also. The reason of said wedding not taking place at the home of my father was because my said Aunt had named the said Thankful after herself, and wanted her married at her home as she had no children of her own.
And this Deponent further says not.
Sworn and Subscribed this 13 th day of December 1843 before me. And I do hereby Certify that the said deponent is personally known to me and that she is a person of truth and veracity
Apphia } her X Stockwell mark
Amos O. Osborn
Justice of the Peace
N.B. I hereby certify that the said Apphia Stockwell informs me that she once wrote her name but from want of practice and age & bodily infirmity, she cannot write it now; and accordingly makes her mark
Amos O. Osborn
Justice of the Peace

Clerks Office: Oneida County ss. State of New York : =
I, P. Sheldon Root, Clerk of the said County of Oneida, do hereby certify that Amos O. Osborn Esq. whose name is subscribed to the pursuant of the foregoing affidavit of Apphia Stockwell, and before whom the same was taken, was at the time of taking the same, a Justice of the peace in and for the said County, dwelling in the said County, duly elected, qualified and sworn and authorized by law to act as such; And that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe the signature of the said Amos O. Osborn to the said pursuant of the said affidavit, is genuine.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of the said County, this 30th day of December A.D. 1843.
P. Sheldon Root, Clk.

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
NAME Gardner, William GRADE Private LINE Connecticut
WARRANT NUMBER 5859 ACREAGE 100 ISSUED Oct. 1, 1789 to — not shown —
*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.